Arts can serve as an indispensable marker of change, often reflecting, amplifying or leading political and social shifts. Influential artistic genres such as impressionism or pop art have played an influential role throughout history – often reflecting new tastes or technological innovations that arise rapidly. Genres such as impressionism or pop art may experience rapid expansion but eventually give way to more sophisticated trends such as neoclassical movements which take over quickly or vice versa; trends like impressionism can even become obsolete quickly when replaced by more refined neoclassical movements during certain eras; their popularity usually dictated by new tastes or technologies entering the market place.
Arts and culture are unlike anything else because they connect with both our hearts and our minds simultaneously, making them especially effective at conveying ideas or conveying expressions too ethereal for words. A mural might convey an impassioned appeal to healthcare workers or a piece of street art may capture current events by speaking directly to people’s emotional reactions.
Arts can also help communicate complex scientific topics, as proven by many scientific institutions’ reliance on artists for illustrations of their research. This approach serves to connect with and educate audiences about essential issues like climate change or biodiversity loss.
Moving into 2022, we expect artists who push the limits of their mediums will remain key influences in setting artistic pulses. Jeng Lynch, Director of Research and Data at NEA Art Works program, notes the work of Derek Fordjour, Tomashi Jackson, Sara Jimenez, Anina Major and Natalia Nakazawa as one of many notable abstract and figurative painters; using materials with natural themes like organic pigments is another trend worth noting as important to her research.
Art trends will remain heavily impacted by millennials’ growing commitment to sustainability. By choosing experiences over possessions, Millennials are favoring immersive experiential art – as evidenced by its rising popularity with Yayoi Kusama and Ai Weiwei being household names among younger audiences. Biophilic artworks depicting nature are also popular among younger people; such pieces help renew Earth and spread environmental awareness.
Arts and cultural industries employ 5.7 million Americans and generate $4.4 trillion in economic value across states and communities – representing an increase of 4.4 percent year over year, reaching a new high mark for this industry. Though most states saw their economic value from arts rise, a few core industries such as independent artist (as an industry), performing arts organizations, and arts-related construction are yet to return to pre-pandemic levels.
